source for zylon

I’m trying to get ahold of some zylon fabric for an FSAE project, the only source i know of (sollercomposites)is all out.
Does anybody know another source I could use for a relatively small order, or likewise does anybody have any they would like to unload? thanks!

Can you describe what zylon fabric is?

Is it like nylon peel ply?:confused:

it’s a fabric reinforcement.

F1 will now be using it in the driver’s compartment. Supposedly stronger than kevlar.

it is wikipedia, but:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zylon

that stuff is garbage…it slowly gets weaker and weaker over time…whats wrong with kevlar?

it’s stronger than zylon in some ways. Just 2 different applications.

Yes, zylon does degrade, however, with an F1-size budget; when do they need to worry about degradation over time?

I am aware that zylon has some degradation problems, but the lifespan of the part is short (>1 year for an FSAE car) so its not really important. I am interested in the extra strength benefits over kevlar, the team’s budget should be able to afford it.

Anybody have a source they would care to share?

very understandable…i wish i knew where to purchase it…but alas i dont…sorry im of no help

Zylon (polybenzoaoxide or PBO) has been used in marine applications for a while. Specifically ropes for tying to dock. I’ve used it on some of the lines on my sailboat, and it hardly stretches. This is why the first application in F1 was for wheel tethers.
Zylon does have high strength and stiffness characteristics, but the main advantage is that it can be used in pure fiber form. The downside of Zylon is that it needs to be protected from light, so it’s covered in a protective cover for ropes. Or when used in a laminated panel, either painted or in a dark area.

is does degrade over time, due to exposeure to light(esp UV) rather quickly, do a goodle search and you get a ton of hits for test results etc.

I believe zylon degrades even WITHOUT UV exposure. There were some issues with this material in ballistic vests where there was no exposure. sollarcomposites is the only place I have seen it for sale.